Photo: Communist flag raising

Posted to the pro-CPP Davao Today (Dec 27): Photo: Communist flag raising



FLAG RAISING. At around seven in the morning, members of the Kabataang Makabayan raised the flags of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), National Democratic Front of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and the highlight of the event, the flag of People’s Revolutionary Government, in a farflung barrio in Compostela town, Compostela Valley province.(davaotoday.com)

http://davaotoday.com/main/2013/12/27/22182/

NPA urged: Respect SOMO

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 28): NPA urged: Respect SOMO

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles called on the New People's Army to be faithful to the ceasefire they have declared and respect the prolonged suspension of military operations (SOMO) being observed by the government.

This was after the killing of an Army soldier in an encounter Thursday night in Bukidnon, as the Communist Party of the Philippines marked its 45 th founding anniversary.

Deles said in a statement she issued, “We challenge those who carry arms in the name of the people to become instruments of peace in this Advent season”.

The CPP-NPA said it is observing SOMO from Dec. 24 to Dec. 26, and from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2 next year. The government ceasefire, meanwhile, took effect Dec. 21 to Jan 15 next year.

“W e are one with our fellow countrymen and women in the belief that better days are ahead, and we join in the call for peace throughout the country, a peace that will allow everyone—rebels and non-rebels alike—to celebrate the holidays free from fear and uncertainty,” Deles added.

Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3 rd Infantry Division commander, who supervises internal security operations in Negros and Panay, said that they will maintain their presence in the communities, to protect civilians, government and private infrastructure, as well as military camps and detachments.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/December/28/negor4.htm

NPA fighters vow more attacks in 2014

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Dec 28): NPA fighters vow more attacks in 2014

Maoist rebels vowed Thursday to launch much wider and bigger offensives with more armed fighters next year.

Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos, the spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) for Mindanao, said the New People's Army (NPA) will intensify its attacks especially in Southern Philippines.

The NPA is the armed wing of the NDFP and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).



AGUSAN. Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines for Mindanao, told reporters who attended the 45th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines somewhere in Agusan provinces that the New People's Army will intensify its offensives against government forces. (Anjo J. Bacarisas)

The Philippines has been tagged for holding the longest running revolutionary movement in the world.

Speaking before reporters during the CPP’s 45th founding anniversary on December 26, Madlos said they will deploy more NPA fighters in their punitive actions against the government forces in 2014.

Madlos said that in 2010, the revolutionary group initiated 250 armed operations, 350 attacks in 2011, and more than 400 offensives in 2012.

“This year, the revolutionary forces launched more than 400 offensives, and next year, we will launch more than 500 tactical offensives,” said Madlos.

If the recent assaults were initiated by platoons and squads of the NPA, Madlos said that next year, there will be battalion formations that will launch military operations all over Mindanao.

In the North Central Mindanao Region (NCMR), Norsen “Ka Norsen” Mangubat said amid the addition of the Marine Battalion Landing Team and Scout Ranger to the military forces of the Philippines’ 4th Infantry Division (4ID), the insurgents intensified their aggressive actions from 83 last year to 100 this year.

Mangubat claimed the CPP-NPA in NCMR this year eliminated 117 members of the government’s military forces, while the Maoists lost only 11 of their comrades.
“In those tactical operations, the group confiscated more than 80 weapons of different caliber,” said Mangubat.

Madlos added: “From 2011 to 2013, casualties sustained by enemy forces increased to at least a battalion per year while the casualties with the NPA per year did not go beyond a platoon on the same period.”




CAGAYAN DE ORO. New People's Army fighters perform a cultural show during the 45th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines held somewhere in Agusan. (Anjo J. Bacarisas)

CPP-NPA strength

In NCMR, Mangubat said the forces of the guerilla group increased by 11 percent while the number of high-powered weapons increased by 10 percent.

“The People’s militia in the region also increased by 28 percent,” said Mangubat.
According to the CPP statement, in the five regions of Mindanao, there are 46 guerilla fronts composed of platoons and companies that constitute 10 battalions.

The battalion formations of CPP-NPA in Mindanao are supported by the People’s militia numbering several battalions.

Amid the military and psychological warfare (psy-war) operations conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the bases of the group increased and strengthened in more than 2,000 villages in more than 200 municipalities and 19 provinces in Mindanao.

In sum, the armed revolution in Mindanao guided by the CPP is supported by hundreds of thousands from various sectors of society, the CPP added.

Punitive actions

Based on the CPP statement, part of their tactical offensives were the successful punitive actions on Del Monte Philippines plantation, the raid conducted on an army detachment in Barangay Lantad, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.

Part of these actions was the confiscation of firearms of Dasia Security Agency in Tagum City and the raid on Philippine National Police headquarters in Kibawe town in Bukidnon and Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental.

Meanwhile, Madlos, through a press statement, said the Aquino regime has no capacity to alleviate the misery felt by the survivors of Tropical Storm Sendong and typhoons Pablo and Yolanda because it is preoccupied in squandering the people’s money.

Truce violation

In a statement e-mailed to Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro on Friday, the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) said the NPA violated the truce between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the CPP.

The military troops under the Barangay Assistance Team for Peace and Development (BATPD) in Sitio Ulayanon, Barangay Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon were allegedly harassed by the members of the NPA using high-powered weapons.
The harassment happened on the same day the CPP commemorated its founding anniversary on December 26, said the army.

The aim of the BATPD, a team of soldiers who were deployed in the different villages in Impasug-ong, is to assist the local government unit in the delivery of basic services and in the implementation of government programs and projects in the area, the military unit added.

“One soldier, namely, Private First class Akmad Maruhom, was killed-in-action,” the 8IB statement said, stressing the attack was a violation of the CPP’s declaration of ceasefire.

“The actions of the NPAs in the area clearly violated this previously announced truce from their side. The incident was the second time that the rebels carried out to inflict casualty among our troops facilitating peace and development activities in the area. First was on November 28 this year when they also perpetrated the same harassment in the area resulting to one soldier wounded,” the unit said.

“It only shows that they (NPA) are deceptive of their pronouncements. In fact, they intend on sowing fear and violence in local communities. More so, they are anti-development and anti-poor,” it added.

The army unit also said that “the CPP-NPA wants the people to continue with their misery so that they can continue to deceive them. In the spirit of Christmas and our strong adherence to peace and development, we once again call on the CPP-NPA to once and for all denounce “armed struggle” and follow the path of peace.”

Captain Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) spokesman, said the division was dismayed “over the actions of the rebels” amid the temporary truce while the whole world is celebrating Christmas and New Year.

There were no reported casualties on the rebel side and the civilians, Uy added.
He said the military has been doing community works, especially in the hinterland villages, in a bid to discourage residents from joining the armed revolutionary movement.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2013/12/28/npa-fighters-vow-more-attacks-2014-320671

Malaysia trial tests new security law

From Aljazeera (Dec 27): Malaysia trial tests new security law

A complex trial for Filipinos accused of "waging war" against the Malaysian king begins in January.



The self-styled Royal Sulu Army arrived from the Philippines, claiming the land for the Sultan of Sulu [Reuters]

Some 30 people, 27 of them Filipinos, will go on trial in early January in a specially-converted hall in Sabah’s state prison complex to face charges of "waging war" against Malaysia’s King, in what is set to be the most significant test yet of the country’s newest security law.

The accused were detained in the wake of a surprise attack almost a year ago on the sleepy villages around the town of Lahad Datu in Sabah on the Malaysian part of Borneo, after an armed group of about 200 people from the self-styled Royal Sulu Army arrived in boats from the Philippines, claiming the land for the Manila-based national Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III.

After a three week standoff, and amid accusations the government had been slow to respond, Malaysian forces bombed the villages from the air and began a ground offensive that left scores of attackers dead, along with 10 of their own men.

"It’s a cross border situation and very challenging," lawyer N Sivananthan, who was hired by the Philippine government to represent their citizens, told Al Jazeera in an interview ahead of the trial. "They all face the death penalty; that’s the pressure point.

Nevertheless, it’s going to be interesting to see how the court views SOSMA and how it’s going to find a balance between the purpose of the law and the need for a fair trial."

SOSMA, or the Special Offences (Special Measures) Act, was passed in 2012 to replace Malaysia's Internal Security Act and Emergency Ordinance, which allowed for detention without trial. It was designed, "for the purpose of maintaining public order and security and for connected matters," according to the legislation’s opening preamble.

Those on trial, including the Sultan’s nephew, Datu Amirbahar Kiram, were detained in the days and weeks following the incident, as the Malaysian authorities sought to tighten security and the state’s notoriously porous borders. Sivananthan says his clients were not involved in the conflict and were simply, "in the wrong place, at the wrong time." He notes that while police did confiscate a number of machetes, they found no guns on any of the accused.

A challenging trial

A hearing last September gave some indication of the challenges posed by the trial, which is expected to continue until February 14. The defendants, heads shaved and dressed in purple prison uniforms, shuffled into the first floor court room with their interpreters, barely acknowledging each other or anyone else. It took more than 20 minutes to simply arrange the seating in the dock. Many of the defendants didn't even seem able to follow the proceedings. Given their precarious legal status, no family members were able to attend.

Requesting more time, Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail told the judge that the prosecution would be using a large amount of what he called, "technical" evidence; information gleaned from intercepts and other forms of intelligence material. Sivananthan, a noted criminal lawyer who is Malaysia’s sole counsel at the International Criminal Court, says the prosecution has indicated it may also want to use some "hidden" evidence. Under SOSMA, the prosecution can keep the identity of its witnesses secret and use information without revealing its sources. Abroad, in the UK for example, judges have usually treated such evidence with extreme caution.

"This whole trial could be in Chambers," said Nalini Elumalai, executive director of human rights group Suaram, which campaigned for years for the ISA’s repeal. "It’s a similar situation (to the ISA); a similar modus operandi. The only difference is that, at least, these people are brought to court. The question is the evidence. They may have been involved in Lahad Datu, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a right to a fair trial. These are serious offences."

The first and last trial on charges of "waging war against the King" involved Al Ma’unah, an Islamic group that seized control of a military armoury in northern Perak in 2000, stealing weapons and killing two hostages during a days-long jungle siege. The leader of the group and his two deputies were both found guilty and sentenced to death, while other members of the organisation were given life sentences. Those who plead guilty to reduced charges got lighter sentences. All were Malaysians.

SOSMA has been used already in a handful of cases and defence lawyers have raised both constitutional issues and fair trial concerns.

"You cannot use a hammer to kill an ant," said lawyer New Sin Yew, who is defending a Malaysian charged under SOSMA with offences against Syria. "Even though SOSMA allows the derogation of certain rights (enshrined in the constitution), what is the extent of that derogation? Those provisions should not go further than necessary. This is going to be a very important trial."

Complex history

Jamalul Kiram died in October, but the Philippines has never completely dropped its claim to Sabah, whose people voted, once the British left, to join the newly independent Malaya in the Malaysian Federation in 1963.

Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos have lived in Sabah for generations, many of them illegally. Many earn a meagre salary on the oil palm plantations that are ubiquitous along the state’s eastern coast, living in makeshift shacks in clearings among the trees.

Most speak only local dialects and can’t communicate in Malay or English.

The Lahad Datu incident shocked many Malaysians – it was the top search on Google in 2013 - and fuelled a slew of conspiracy theories regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack and Malaysia’s relationship with the Philippines, including peace talks between the Muslim south and the government in Manila.

Evidence presented at trial, if it’s released in open court, could well provide more information not only about what actually happened in February and March, but also a complex historical relationship.

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4004111469161356591#editor/target=post;postID=422289595873157525

Photo: Outgoing Army Chief

From MindaNews (Dec 26): Photo: Outgoing Army Chief



Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, Philippine Army chief, receives a gift from Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, in Cagayan de Oro City 26 Dec 2013. Coballes is due to retire on Feb. 7, 2014 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

http://www.mindanews.com/

Photos: 45th Year

From MindaNews (Dec 26): Photos: 45th Year



New People’s Army guerrillas perform a drill during the 45th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26 somewhere in the Caraga region. The NPA has vowed to intensify attacks against government forces and increase its fighting force to 25,000. MindaNews photo by Aries Sandino M. Mordeno



Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, Mindanao spokesperson of the National Democratic Front addresses New People”s Army guerrillas, mass base supporters and journalists who attended the 45th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26. The NPA has vowed to intensify attacks against government forces and increase its fighting force to 25,000. The celebration took place somewhere in the Caraga region. MindaNews photo by Aries Sandino M. Mordeno

http://www.mindanews.com/

PNP says kidnapped birdwatchers still alive

From the Manila Times (Dec 27): PNP says kidnapped birdwatchers still alive

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday that the two European birdwatchers who were kidnapped by al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Tawi-Tawi early last year are still alive.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisma made the statement after government troops captured a ranking ASG member behind in the kidnapping of Dutchman Ewold Horn and Swiss, Lorenzo Vinciquerra.

“They [Europeans] are still alive, based on the reports, they say they are still alive . . . but we do not have evidence to that,” Purisima told reporters in Camp Crame.

Purisima said that based on PNP information, the two Europeans are still in the custody of ASG in Sulu and said that efforts are being exerted by the authorities to safely secure the two foreign hostages.

“We are investigating all of this, we don’t want to give details . . . they are with their captors and we are still verifying the right information on this,” Purisima said.

http://manilatimes.net/pnp-says-kidnapped-birdwatchers-still-alive/63532/

NPA rebels dishonor holiday truce

From the Manila Times (Dec 27): NPA rebels dishonor holiday truce

AS the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) claimed major strategic victories in Mindanao, its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), staged another daring ambush against government troops in the province of Bukidnon that left one soldier dead, while  the  party’s  two-day Christmas ceasefire was still in effect.

First Lt. Norman Tagros, battalion spokesman, Eighth Infantry Battalion, Fourth Infantry Division, on Friday identified the fallen soldier as Private First Class Akmad Maruhom, a member of the Barangay Assistance Team for Peace and Development troops of the Philippine Army.

According to Tagros, the incident happened on Thursday at about 6:30 p.m. in Sitio Ulayanon, Barangay Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon with still more than five hours for the ceasefire to lapse.

On December 18, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) declared a truce to be observed starting at 12 a.m. of December 24 till 11:59 p.m. of December 26.

“The action of the NPAs in the area clearly violated this previously announced truce from their side,” he said, adding that the incident was the second time that the rebels staged an ambush on government troops facilitating peace and development activities.

Tagros explained that said team was not deployed to wage a war against the NPA and other threat groups but rather to assist to assist the local government in the delivery of basic services and in the implementation of government programs and projects.

“The program is rather implemented to address local issues which are commonly
exploited by the NPA so as people may be recruited to its ranks and pursue armed struggle,” Tagros further said.

The CPP has claimed that it is growing stronger in Mindanao and would reach the strategic stalemate phase in the next few years, and eventually towards a socialist revolution.

“Despite the AFP’s [Armed Forces of the Philippines’s] military and psy-war operations . . . the revolutionary bases have rapidly expanded and gained strength in more than 2,000 barrios in more than 200 municipalities and 19 provinces in Mindanao,” said Jorge Madlos, spokesman, National Democratic Front of the Philippines Mindanao Chapter.

In the last five years, Madlos said, tactical offensives of the NPA have significantly intensified from only 250 in 2010 to 350 in 2011, to 400 in 2012 and to more than 400 in 2013.

He claimed that among their major victories include the raid on Del Monte plantation, the raid on the Cafgu-Army detachment in Barangay Lantad, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, the ambush of an army unit in Barangay Bituan, Tulunan, North Cotabato, the confiscation of arms from Dasia Security Agency in Tagum City and from the PNP headquarters in Kibawe, Bukidnon and in Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental.

From 2011 to 2013, Madlos added, AFP casualties have risen to at least a battalion a year while that from the NPA did not go beyond a platoon each year for the same period.

A battalion is composed of 300 to 1,200 soldiers, while a company has 80 to 250 soldiers.

http://manilatimes.net/npa-rebels-dishonor-holiday-truce/63566/

Army soldiers to get new boots, medical kits – Gen. Coballes

From MindaNews (Dec 26): Army soldiers to get new boots, medical kits – Gen. Coballes

The Philippine Army will soon be replacing its trusted black boots with a newer version – softer and water-resistant shoes that are well-suited for combat operations in tropical jungles.

Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, the outgoing Philippine Army chief, said aside from the brand new Army boots, each soldier will be issued with medical kit complete with life-saving blood-clotting medicines.

Coballes said the items are part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ P15-billion modernization program, which includes newer howitzers, tanks and mortar platforms for the Philippine Army.

“These items will be available for the soldiers by next year. We are happy the suppliers have settled their differences,” Coballes said in a visit to the 4th Infantry Division headquarters here today.

Coballes directed battalion commanders of the 4ID to submit the sizes of the soldiers’ feet as soon as the suppliers deliver the new boots.

 

The new color-green Army boots, Coballes said, is designed like the boots worn by United States soldiers in Afghanistan.

“Instead of desert colors, our boots will be color green to suit our theater of operations,” he said. He added that the new boots, which are water resistant, will also be better for running as these are made of softer materials.

Coballes said medical kits that include life-saving, blood-clotting drugs will be issued to Army soldiers also next year.

“These drugs increase the chances of survival of our soldiers wounded in battle,” he said.

Coballes is due to retire on Feb. 7, 2014 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/12/26/army-soldiers-to-get-new-boots-medical-kits-gen-coballes/

Army chief awards 4ID soldiers

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Dec 27): Army chief awards 4ID soldiers

SEVEN soldiers belonging to the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City were pinned their medals, which were awarded to them for exemplary show of bravery during the different encounters in the division’s area of responsibility.

Lieutenant General Noel Coballes, commanding general of the Philippine Army, pinned the medals of recognition on the soldiers.

The gold cross medal, which is the fourth highest military award, was given to Private First Class (Pfc.) Dexie A. Macalaya; Pfc. Niño S. Negolo and Pfc. Jonbert L. Sabado all from Charlie Company, 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion.

The unit encountered around 30 New People's Army members in Barangay Ampianga, Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental, wherein two rebels were killed and two firearms were recovered.

The Military Merit Medal, which is given to recognize a soldier’s heroic achievement during or in support to military action, was also given to Captain Henry M. Pang-Ay of 26th Infantry (Ever Onwards) Battalion; Corporal Algrin T. Yañez of 42nd Division Reconnaisance Company; 1st Lieutenant Norman M. Tagros and Corporal Dandy T. Panganiban both from 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion.

Coballes was in Mindanao to see the overall condition of his troops in the different areas and to personally delivered to the soldiers his Christmas message and give recognition to the effort of the 4th ID under the command of Major General Ricardo Visaya.

He underscored the efforts of the soldiers for the different programs it successfully supported for the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan.”

Coballes said that the operations of the division resulted in the neutralization of almost 100 NPA rebels and the recovery of 80 firearms.

He also mentioned the significant accomplishment of the unit in terms of environmental protection, which added to the country’s overall economic output most specifically that of Northern Mindanao.

“Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa suportang binigay ninyo sa aking pamumuno at sa inyong taus-pusong paglilingkod sa bayan,” Coballes said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2013/12/27/army-chief-awards-4id-soldiers-320546

Ka Oris: the Party is youthful at 45

Posted the pro-CPP Davao Today (Dec 27): Ka Oris: the Party is youthful at 45

SAN LUIS, Agusan Del Sur — Streamers bearing greetings for the 45^th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines were hung in several places, one of which was only few meters away from the Philippine Army’s 26^th Infantry Battalion detachment. Not too far away, several “skylab” motorcycles busily negotiated muddy roads as some people from surrounding villages walked on foot.

Amidst the sweltering heat of the sun, Ka Oris, the spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines – Mindanao greeted the thousands who came to commemorate the 45^th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The rebel leader’s message, which he made after a series of cultural presentations by face-painted young presenters from the urban centers, is that “the party is youthful” even as it nears its golden years.

“Look at our performers from the cities, our army (NPA), our leaders, the revolution is indeed young,” he said.

Ka Oris, standing tall in an improvised stage with his iconic white beard and one-star “Mao” cap, then read the National Democratic Front – Mindanao (NDF) statement on the CPP’s 45^th anniversary.

The rebel leader said that “despite the AFP’s (Armed Forces of the Philippines) military and psy-war operations,” the “revolutionary bases” of the NPA “have rapidly expanded and gained strength in more than 2000 barrios in more than 200 municipalities and 19 provinces in Mindanao.”

Oris said the NPA number to about 10 battalions which are “spread out in 46 guerilla zones in five regions in Mindanao.”

With the “increasing” number, Oris said that tactical offensives (TOs) of the NPA have “significantly intensified.”

“From only 250 TOs in 2010, this has increased to 350 in 2011, to 400 in 2012 and to more than 400 in the entire year of 2013,” he said.

He said further  that “from 2011 until 2013, casualties sustained by enemy forces have risen to at least a battalion per year, while, on the part of the NPA, the number of casualties did not go beyond a platoon each year of the same period.”

With regards to procurement of arms, Ka Oris said that they have in fact bought from AFP personnel.

“Some we buy from the savings of retired officials, some from incumbent. But Aquino need not worry as the quantity is still small,” he jested.

With regards to the AFP’s “capture” of a supposed NPA “mine factory” in Laak, Compostela Valley few weeks ago,  Oris said that they have “many” and can always create “more” factories.

Oris also said that they have launched “punitive actions” against “large-scale mining and plantations owned by the big bourgeois comprador and imperialists who continue to exploit millions of peasants and agri-workers, grab their lands, and plunder and ravage the environment.”

In a press conference that ensued later, a member of the media asked if there was truth that in one of their operations, the NPA slaughtered pigs of Mega Farms in Bukidnon.

Ka Oris explained that the slaughter of pigs was justified, saying “that was just one way to disable their operation. The company polluted the water and the surrounding and destroyed the livelihood of farmers. There is no other way to reprimand them but to kill those pigs,” he said.

Oris said the company was also oppressing their workers who were paid at a P120 per day, smaller than what workers in other NPA-influenced areas who receive at P250.
He also said adding that Mega Farm and other companies have already expressed willingness to talk with them.

With regards to other companies, the NDF, however, has set some “pre-conditions.”
“In plantations for example, the pre-condition is that they cease their expansion before they negotiate with us,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ka Oris scored the Aquino government saying that while “the people continue to suffer from destitution as a result of the country’s economic crisis,” the “US-Aquino III regime holds no interest in and has lost its capability to alleviate the misery of the millions of victims of catastrophes, such as those hit by typhoons Sendong, Pablo, Yolanda and the quake in the Visayas.”

Oris said that “in truth it is only the NPA that has reached the great majority of Pablo victims as they are situated in the countrysides.”

Like in Pablo areas, Oris said that CPP units in Yolanda-hit areas should “re-organize in order to rebuild the people’s livelihood.”

He said that the people cannot rely on the Aquino government as “it is preoccupied with squandering away people’s funds, such as in the detested cases of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and other vile forms of corruption,” he said. He also added in the interview later that “if PNoy is removed, there will be no more DAP, no more PDAF.”

Moreover, he scored Aquino’s “failure to deliver justice to the victims of the Maguindanao massacre as well as to the victims of the mounting cases of extrajudicial killings, indiscriminate bombing during the Zamboanga City siege and other forms of human rights abuses.”

Ka Oris said that the “almost daily gunfight” in Moro areas prove that the Moro people “doubts the government’s sincerity” with its ongoing talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

With regards to human rights, Oris said that it is “good” that the military recognize CARHRIHL (Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law) which he said “promotes the protection of the people’s basic rights.”

However, he stressed the protection of the people’s basic rights is the principal responsibility of the “incumbent political power” and “secondary governments like the NPA.”

Ka Oris, in his statement also called on CPP members to advance the armed revolution until the strategic stalemate phase is achieved in the next few years.

He said that the stalemate phase is when there is already “parity” of the AFP and NPA forces. He explains that with the NPA, this means the support of “people’s militias.”

“With the support of about 10-30 million Filipinos, the enemy can now be overwhelmed by this combination,” he said.

Oris said that the CPP must “consolidate and expand the membership” in order to “increase its ability to lead in raising the level of the people’s war towards the strategic stalemate phase until complete victory.”

http://davaotoday.com/main/2013/12/27/ka-oris-the-party-is-youthful-at-45/

Navy transports 266 detained MNLF members to Manila

From the Philippine Star (Dec 27): Navy transports 266 detained MNLF members to Manila

The Philippine Navy (PN) transported under tight security Friday all the detained members of the Nur Misuari faction of the  Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) involved in the siege, an official said.

The military, police and the personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) escorted 266 MNLF detainees into the Navy Landing Ship Transport (LST) 550 from the San Ramon Penal Farm (SRPF) on Thursday night.

Twentysix  of the detained MNLF rebels came from the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC), according to a BJMP official.

Col. Andrelino Colina, commander of the Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ), said the transfer  of the MNLF detainees was made in coordination with other law enforcement units, including the BJMP, Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“The movement of the detainees was not made public due to security consideration,” Colina said.

According to Colina, they could not discount possibility of sabotage even as they were prepared to thwart such an  attempt.

All the MNLF prisoners at the San Ramon Penal Farm were properly turned over by the BJMP to the military and were all aboard the Navy ship that departed under heavy guards about 8 a.m for Manila.

Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño,  Police Regional Office 9 (PRO) director, committed 552 of his police forces with 164 soldiers, 51 navy, and 105 BJMP personnel securing the detainees enroute to Manila.

The  transfer of the detained MNLF members was based on the resolution approved by the Supreme Court (SC) and the regional court here to transfer the rebels to the detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig in Manila.

Meanwhile, tension has slowly eased in this city following the transfer of the detained MNLF rebels, according to the military and police.

However, government forces and local police said security is still heightened in this city to prevent any possible lashback from the sympathizers and supporters of the MNLF under Misuari, the erstwhile leader who remains at large.

Misuari and the detained MNLF members were charged with rebellion and violation of international humanitarian law, genocide and other crimes against humanity in connection with the September siege.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/27/1272512/navy-transports-266-detained-mnlf-members-manila

AFP renews call for NPA to lay down arms

From the Philippine Star (Dec 27): AFP renews call for NPA to lay down arms

The military on Friday renewed its call for communist rebels to abandon the armed struggle in the wake of attacks attributed to the New People’s Army (NPA) during the holidays.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the insurgents should support the peace process instead of pursuing the armed struggle.

“Instead of waging violence to make themselves relevant, the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA should just lay down their arms and commit themselves to the peace process without preconditions,” Zagala said in a statement.

“After decades of fruitless insurgency, the CPP-NPA should stop being part of the problem and start becoming part of the solution,” he added.

Zagala made the statement in the wake of atrocities supposedly committed by communist guerillas during the holiday season.

Last Tuesday, suspected NPA members burned three taxis owned by Holiday Taxi in Panabo, Davao del Norte. Authorities believe the incident has something to do with the insurgents’ extortion activities.

A day before the burning incident, suspected NPA members shot dead a soldier on Christmas break in Allacapan, Cagayan.

On Thursday, one Army soldier was killed after insurgents harassed a military team in Impasugong, Bukidnon. The attack happened on the third day of the holiday truce declared by the CPP.

The rebels approved a holiday ceasefire truce that took effect from December 24 to 26 and from December 31 to January 2. The government declared a longer truce that took effect last December 21 and will last until January 15.

The CPP has said that it no longer expects a peace deal to be forged within the term of the Aquino administration due to its supposed unwillingness to negotiate a “just peace.”

Zagala said they would continue to work with stakeholders to address the root causes of insurgency.

He said such cooperation has enabled them to free 29 areas from communist as of June.

Zagala said these areas are Cavite, Marinduque, Romblon, Guimaras, Cebu, Siquijor, Biliran, Bohol, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Aklan, Antique, Eastern Samar, Apayao, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Kalinga, Nueva Viscaya, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Benguet, Batanes, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, South Cotabato, Saranggani and Davao Oriental.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/12/27/1272531/afp-renews-call-npa-lay-down-arms

Rebel unit claims victories in Negros

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 27): Rebel unit claims victories in Negros

The Apolinario Boy Gatmaitan Command of the New People's Army yesterday claimed victories in several tactical offensives they have launched against government forces, and also declared having defeated military campaigns in Negros Island since 2007.

Rebel spokesman Juanito Magbanua II, in a statement he issued, said that despite the obstacles and difficulties faced by the NPA in Negros, they were able to defeat the Oplan Bayanihan, triad operation and the whole nation approach strategy of the Armed Forces, that mobilizes local government units and agencies, non-government organizations, and the church, through its Church-Military-Police Advisory Group.

Contrary to military claims, Magbanua said, not a single guerrilla front has been dismantled in Negros. Instead, he said, they were successful in their expansion and recovery of their lost territories, as they have also established the Komiteng Pang-Organisa sa Baryo and Lubos Asosasyon Masa in several barangays and soon also in the municipal level.

Magbanua also claimed that they have confiscated firearms, that could arm a company-sized unit of the NPA.

The Armando Sumayang Command, one of the NPA guerilla fronts in Negros island, in another statement it issued, also claimed success in southern Negros, citing the successful ambush against 47 th Infantry Battalion soldiers, that led to the recovery of five high-powered firearms.

Andrea Guerrero, spokesperson of the Armando Sumayang Command, said they have also punished the Philex Mining Company for the destruction of environment, meted death penalty to a drug pusher, rapist and a military informant.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/December/27/negor1.htm

Rebels who staged ambush in La Castellana penalized

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 27): Rebels who staged ambush in La Castellana penalized

Members of the New People's Army responsible for the ambush in Brgy. Puso, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on Jan. 27, 2013 have been penalized because of the incident, the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, said in a statement it issued, yesterday.

The incident, described by the military and police as a massacre, claimed the lives of eight civilians and a policeman, and caused injuries to 12 others.

Rebel spokesman Juanito Magbanua, however, maintained that the members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team who were killed in the ambush had firearms, based on their witnesses.

Magbanua said BPAT members, armed with M-16 armalite rifles, accompanied members of the Philippine Army in the raid on those accused of coddling and hiding NPA members.

In a tape-recorded statement, the NPA Leonardo Panaligan Command, through its spokesman,  Ka JB Regalado, had earlier apologized for the deaths of the civilians, and admitted lapses committed by the guerrillas. He claimed that it was being investigated.

The victims, who were on board a Fuzo Canter vehicle, were on their way home after attending a fiesta when they were ambushed by about 20 rebels on January 27 in Barangay Puso, La Castellana.

Magbanua said leaders and members of a squad-size rebel unit who staged the ambush, had violated the rules and regulations of the NPA

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/December/27/topstory12.htm